The holiday season means road trips winding through snow-dusted valleys, pickups at busy airports, visits to college towns where your kids are finishing finals, and dozens of other reasons you’ll find yourself away from home. You need reliable, high-quality food when everyone’s counting on you for the next meal. Here are ten spots we recommend, chosen for convenience, consistency, and that unmistakable feeling of being taken care of while you’re on the move.

1. The Skinny Pancake (VT, NY & MA)

When you’re navigating holiday travel across three states, The Skinny Pancake solves the “where should we eat?” debate with an affordable dining experience that also accommodates gluten-free diets and other specialty dietary needs. 

The menu works for any time of day. Grab a quick crepe for breakfast places fare before an early departure, or stop in for lunch when you’ve been on the road for hours. Everything’s made with local ingredients, which means better flavor than typical fast-casual chains. (Vermont cheddar, real maple syrup, and beverages. You can taste the difference.)

If you need to eat fast, order takeout and get back on the road in fifteen minutes. Have time to sit? Take a break, stretch your legs, and reset before the next stretch of your trip. The food quality stays consistent across every location, so you’re not gambling on whether Skinny Pancake will deliver. 

Vermont Locations

• Burlington International Airport, VT: 1200 Airport Dr, South Burlington, VT 05403
• Burlington Waterfront, VT: 60 Lake Street Unit 1A, Burlington, VT, 05401
• University of Vermont, VT: 633 Main St, Burlington, VT 05405
• Quechee, VT: 7161 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT 05001
• Montpelier, VT: 89 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602

New York Location

• Albany, NY: 1 Steuben Street, Albany, NY 12207

Massachusetts Locations

• Peabody, MA: 210 Andover Street, Peabody, MA 01960
• Hadley, MA: 379 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035

2. The Mad Taco (Waitsfield, VT)

As you drive through Vermont along Route 100, stop in at The Mad Taco in Waitsfield. The Mad Taco offers a variety of popular Mexican items, including taco favorites like pork belly, chorizo, roasted yams, and more. The Mad Taco is known for its combination of tacos and Mexican street food in a laid-back location, perfect for relaxing for a little while before you get back on the road. 

3. Vermont Country Deli (Brattleboro, VT)

The Vermont Country Deli is a destination stop. Their sandwich bar lets you build your own or choose from their specialty combinations. It’s best to visit during the lunch rush or swing by for an early dinner before you head to your next location.

4. Prohibition Pig (Waterbury, VT)

If you’re driving towards the Green Mountains, Prohibition Pig offers mouthwatering barbecue favorites, including smoked meats and house-made sauces. Prohibition Pig not only offers a restaurant complete with plenty of fan favorites that will help you fuel up before you get back on the road, but it also offers a brewery experience with fresh beer and fantastic margaritas. 

5. The Copper Crow (Albany, NY)

The Copper Crow, located on Broadway Avenue in New York, is a popular location for travelers who want a chance to sit back and relax for a little while before they get back on the road. At The Copper Crow, diners can find an eclectic collection of American fusion dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients or partake in a variety of popular cocktails, draft beers, and more. 

6. The Nest (Schenectady, NY)

The Nest, conveniently located along several major travel routes in New York, is a family-owned establishment that focuses on Southern-style dishes and comfort food. The restaurant and bar have a delicious menu with a variety of dishes and a high level of customer service that will make it easier to relax in the midst of your travels. 

7. The Sideshow Kitchen and Bar (New Paltz, NY)

The Sideshow Kitchen and Bar is a short distance from the State University of New York. A popular destination for lunch and dinner options, with plenty of popular to-go favorites. Not only are there a variety of popular menu options, including vegetarian options, but the location also delivers a high level of hospitality to every visitor. 

8. Oak Bistro (Cambridge, MA)

If you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant, check out Oak Bistro. Its Inman Square location makes it highly convenient when you’re visiting local campuses, while its celebration of scratch-created recipes, created from local ingredients, creates an opportunity to enjoy something new in a relaxing environment. 

9. Buttermilk and Bourbon (Boston, MA)

Buttermilk and Bourbon is a popular stop for Boston residents and travelers. It provides a fantastic tapas menu, great cocktails, and a selection of Southern dishes in a quirky atmosphere. Buttermilk and Bourbon has a cozy atmosphere that’s great for a sit-down meal, with a variety of drink options to choose from when you’re ready to relax after a long day on the road. 

10. Boston Burger Company (Boston, MA)

For a burger excursion in Massachusetts, check out Boston Burger Company. The restaurant is known for its large portions and fast service: the perfect combination when you’re out on the road. Efficient seating means that you won’t find yourself waiting endlessly for a meal when you’re ready to get back on the road, and a selection of delicious burgers and sandwiches means there’s something for everyone in your group to choose from.

Plan Your Holiday Travel Around a Great Meal

Where you stop for a meal can make a huge difference in the time added to your trip, your mood, and your energy levels. Choosing trusted, convenient spots for your meals helps save time and stress, creating a better experience for everyone. 

The Skinny Pancake remains the best all-around option, no matter which state you’re in, offering high-quality comfort food in convenient locations near local universities, airports, and travel routes. Plan ahead, and you’ll spend less time stressing about meals and more time enjoying the trip you deserve.